They are a specialty-specific interpretation of the General Medical Council’s “Good medical practice” booklet. The guidance contains detailed statements about good occupational health practice.

The faculty said there is a need for new, additional guidance for occupational physicians because of the significant difference between the practice of an OH physician and doctors from other specialties.

It said: “The occupational physician usually has responsibilities to employers as well as to workers. Moreover, occupational physicians often work in privately organised occupational health services, and undertake a range of clinical and managerial activities that differ markedly from those of other doctors,” it has stressed.